asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs with regard to the recent spate, in an international context, of kidnappings, hijacking of aircraft and the holding as hostages of many persons of different nationalities, whether he, or the Foreign Ministers of the EEC or of the Council of Europe, will take any new initiatives to ensure effective expeditious international action to stamp out and punish the perpetrators of such heinous crimes.

The Government discussed recent developments in connection with the hijacking of aircraft at their meeting on 21st October, 1977. A statement issued after that meeting indicated inter alia the Government's belief that the most effective way of combatting terrorism in civil aviation is through international action at governmental level. The Government also declared their willingness to join in international consideration of further effective measures to outlaw hijacking, the taking of hostages and similar crimes. The Irish delegation to the current 32nd session of the United Nations General Assembly had been directed to support proposals for urgent consideration of the question. Ireland has, therefore, joined with other nations at the General Assembly in requesting the inclusion, as a matter of urgency of an additional item entitled “safety of international civil aviation” in the agenda of the 32nd session. Additionally, Ireland has cosponsored a draft resolution which inter alia appeals to all states, not yet parties to three international conventions dealing with air piracy, to consider urgently their becoming bound by these conventions. Ireland has already ratified the conventions (Tokyo Convention of 1963, The Hague Convention of 1970 and the Montreal Convention of 1971) and the provisions of these conventions have been embodied in our legislation.

The Minister has told us what is happening at the United Nations. One does not want to reflect on that august body but one knows it takes time to produce results. Can he say if the Council of Ministers or the Commission have any specific proposals for Europe—or, indeed, the Council of Europe which is a wider body than the EEC—and whether any specific new action is proposed in Europe having regard to what appears to be a developing trans-European conspiracy of a hijacking nature?

I can assure the Deputy that as far as the Community is concerned action has already been taken on foot of a European Council declaration of 12th-13th July, 1976. On foot of that a working party has been set up within the Community on which we are represented by officials from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Justice. Four meetings of this group have been held to date with a view to arriving at some conclusion such as is envisaged by the Deputy whereby the Community can take positive action in this area as well as the United Nations.